Bill Clinton to receive Lincoln Leadership Prize

February 27, 2013

Former US President Bill Clinton speaks on Feb. 21, during the inauguration ceremony for the first phase of the Eko Atlantic real estate project, in Lagos, Nigeria. (PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP/Getty Images)

Bill Clinton is the 2013 recipient of the Lincoln Leadership Prize — the first time a former U.S. president has won, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation announced Tuesday.

The award honors "outstanding individuals for a lifetime of service in the spirit of President Abraham Lincoln," and those who "manifest great strength of character, individual conscience and an unwavering commitment to the defining principles of democracy," the foundation said in a news release.

Clinton is scheduled to accept the award May 4 at the Hilton Chicago.

According to the foundation, Clinton was chosen for his "historic presidency" and "unwavering commitment to continued public service since leaving the White House."

Carla Knorowski, CEO of the Lincoln foundation, said Clinton is like Lincoln in that he is committed to the defining principals of democracy.

"He has exhibited a commitment to public service, just like Lincoln," Knorowski said. "Both presidents came from humble beginnings and both devoted their lives to serving the nation. They were both men of the people."